Valerie Jean Rogers was born on February 14, 1954, in Xenia, Ohio, to Lloyd William Rogers and Alice Charlevoix (Powell) Rogers. She was the second of four children.

Valerie attended public schools in Xenia before continuing her education in Chicago. She graduated from Gillespie Upper Grade Center in 1968 and Harlan High School in 1972. Valerie went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University in 1976.

While at Northern Illinois, she met her love, Bill English. Their relationship grew into a wonderful and lasting marriage of 48 years, and in total 54 years together. They had three sons, William, Lloyd, and Delmar.

Valerie worked in Accounting at Berry Bearings and Pullman Bank; however, education would be her calling. She began at Catholic Charities in Chicago as a teacher and later worked at Homewood-Flossmoor High School as an Assistant to Students with Special Needs. Later, Valerie attended Olivet Nazarene University and earned her Master's Degree in Reading Specialist in 2009.

Her greatest joy came from teaching at Kellar Middle School in Robbins, Illinois, where she taught Math and History. "Mama English," as her coworkers referred to her, brought joy to many and made learning fun. She believed in her students and never made them feel incapable of learning. As a result, many students would sneak into her class just to be a part of her energy.

Outside of work, Valerie enjoyed family time and crafting. She loved making ornaments, crafting handmade picture frames, floral arrangements, constantly working on interior design, rehabbing furniture, and painting. Valerie retired from teaching in District 143.5 in 2022.

Valerie departed this life on July 9, 2026, in Olympia Fields, Illinois, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Eleanor Powell; her parents, Lloyd and Alice; her brother, Lloyd William Rogers Jr.; her sister, Lynnette Rogers; her son, Lloyd Alan English; and her aunts, Marion Jones and Loretta Woods. She is survived by her husband, Bill; her sons, William and Delmar; her brother, Carl Rogers; her sister-in-law, Faye Rochelle; many nieces and nephews, especially Shadawn Lumpkins and Marilyn Curtis; and numerous cherished friends who will remember her fondly.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations and volunteer service to

www.cancersupportcenter.org.

Cancer Support Center

2028 Elm Road

Homewood, IL 60430

https://my.onecause.com/fundraiser/organizations/8178e2d0-bdf7-4fcf-9585-

4c4e2f49e8a1/fundraisers/fundraiser:1cd48e6a-5d7b-41bc-be77-

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